Labor targets ‘visa hopping’ international students in crackdown on ‘permanently temporary’ migration 02. October 2026 (03:33) Migration agents and lawyers ‘selling false hope’ to people seeking to stay in Australia also in ministers’ sights as they seek to reduce overseas arrivalsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcast“Visa hopping” international students, migration agents and lawyers trying to “game” the migration system will be targeted by the federal government, as Labor unveils a further crackdown.The changes announced on Friday mean international students will soon need to apply for a separate visa to transfer courses, on top of previously announced rules that prevent transferring to a lower grade course, such as switching from a bachelor’s or masters’ degree to a vocational program.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Letitia James appointed special prosecutor in alleged gang-rape at Cornell 02. October 2026 (03:08) New York attorney general brought in by governor after recent questions raised over university’s 2024 investigationKathy Hochul, the New York governor, said on Thursday she is appointing Letitia James, the state’s attorney general, as special prosecutor to investigate the alleged gang-rape at Cornell University.“The young woman at the center of this case deserves to know that every fact will be examined and justice pursued,” Hochul said in a statement. “This action will ensure that the matter is fully and thoroughly investigated without conflict or bias, and handled independently with the rigor that this matter demands.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
SpaceX flight led by first Black female commander sets US speed record 02. October 2026 (02:50) Four astronauts pulled up at International Space Station after eight-hour express flight led by Jessica WatkinsFour astronauts pulled up at the International Space Station on Thursday after launching on an eight-hour express that set a US speed record, and that created further history with the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit.SpaceX launched commander Jessica Watkins and her crew for Nasa after a three-week delay to fix their Dragon capsule’s leaking fuel system. Thick clouds threatened all morning to halt the countdown but in the end, the skies cleared enough to allow for a safe liftoff. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Kanye West’s sold-out Russia concerts cancelled, organisers confirm 02. October 2026 (02:41) Russia’s foreign ministry had called planned shows unacceptable due to rapper’s ‘glorification’ of Adolf HitlerTwo sold-out shows that Kanye West was due to play in Russia have been cancelled after weeks of confusion, organisers have confirmed.The US rapper, who now goes by the name Ye, had been due to perform at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on 10 and 11 October.Press Association contributed to this report Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Enter Shikari announce indefinite hiatus from 2027: ‘We don’t think we’re splitting up’ 02. October 2026 (01:12) Rock band will still tour the UK, Europe and US over the next year but say decision to ‘fall dormant’ feels ‘liberating’The British rock band Enter Shikari have announced they will go on hiatus at the end of 2027, a decision that may result in the band’s “extinction”.The St Albans band, who formed in 1999 as Hybryd, are due to tour the UK in November, Europe and the US next year, and said they hoped to play some of their favourite places “one last time”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Falling glass and ‘decapitated’ plants: the race to protect Edinburgh botanic garden’s plants 02. October 2026 (01:01) After five years of work, 5,750 panels of toughened glass will help keep hundred of plants safe from Scottish winters – but more work needs to be doneIn the early autumn sunlight, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s extensive plant collection appears safe in their glass enclosures. But danger lurks from above for the tropical ferns, cycads and rare alpine heathers.Soon the September sunshine will give way to the storms and gales of the Scottish winter, which can bring hundreds of glass panels crashing to the greenhouse floor on the windiest days. Nobody is allowed inside when the wind is above 30mph. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New Washington DC law bans landlords from imposing dog breed restrictions 02. October 2026 (00:34) Landlords can no longer refuse pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans or other breeds considered ‘scary’Landlords in Washington DC will no longer be able to refuse a tenant’s dog based on its breed, size or weight, nor can they impose special charges related to these factors.At least, that’s what a new law that took effect on Thursday aims to achieve. Animal welfare organizations and animal shelters applauded the legislation, emphasizing the benefits of reducing barriers to pet ownership in the US capital. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US states and cities sue over Trump EPA’s repeal of emissions rules 02. October 2026 (00:24) Democratic-led coalition says gutting key protections will set US back decades and worsen climate crisisStates and cities sued the Trump administration on Thursday for repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas.Twenty-one states, led by New York, are challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s power plant rule. The Democratic-led coalition also includes Pennsylvania’s governor, the District of Columbia, New York City, Chicago and the city and county of Denver. They argue that “gutting one of the country’s most significant climate protections” will set the nation back decades and worsen the climate crisis. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Proposal to hold Major League Baseball game in Grand Teton national park sparks backlash 02. October 2026 (00:16) MLB reportedly contacted White House about staging game at Wyoming park, to dismay of locals and conservationists A proposal to hold a Major League Baseball (MLB) game inside a national park is receiving backlash from locals and conservationists.On 26 September, the Washington Post reported that MLB reached out to the White House about staging a one-day game at the Grand Teton national park in Wyoming. Teton county describes itself as a “a year-round resort community” and sits within the Jackson Hole valley. It’s also a habitat for grizzly bears, osprey, bison and more. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK airlines to be banned from charging parents to sit with children 01. October 2026 (23:41) Planned rule change forms part of Burnham’s bid to crack down on the ‘little charges that add up’Airlines will be blocked from charging parents extra to sit with their children on planes, according to government plans.The new rule would require airlines to seat passengers aged under 14 next to their parents or an accompanying adult free of charge. Passengers will also no longer need to pay to tweak the name on their flight booking if they need to correct a mistake. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
